Wireless network options are improving lives with even more convenient access and adding more flexibility for our many diverse and busy lifestyles.  In talking with a gentleman named Phil at Starbucks (located near the University of Richmond on Huguenot Road), I found that wireless options there are not free at the moment unless you use a T-mobile account or unless you get a Starbucks card online at www.starbucks.com.  Such services have kept Starbucks very busy and he had limited phone time to talk with me as this location was plenty busy with customers at the moment I called.  I next talked with a library clerk named Anne with the Powhatan Countly Library.  She says that this has been very beneficial to people in the community who have come even after library hours (anytime night or day) to sit in the parking lot near the library building and access the wireless network, as this service is free and unlimited.  The only limitation might be if a good signal is not available.  More can be learned about the Powhatan County Library and the technology available at www.powhatanlibrary.org. In talking with Cindy at this library today, she indicates that the wireless technology as well as other modern technology available at this location has increased the usefulness of the library to the community. 

I also talked with an employee at the Richmond International Airport, Gersain Agudelo Valencia, who described the use of the wireless system at the airport for an additional perspective.  Gersain indicated that wireless use is free and available anywhere there, with no password needed for access.  Also, when a passenger is in flight this service is available on some airlines as an incentive to use their airline.  The latest in technology invites the savvy business person to airlines providing such services. 

I also conducted a bit of research to find out more about some of the leaders in wireless service.  Verizon Wireless claims to operate “the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers” as per information from www.marketwatch.com.  This website explains that Verizon Wireless is actually “a joint venture of Verizon Communications (VZ: 32.18, +0.13, +0.4%) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD)” and also this website advises that more can be learned about the availability of “broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills” by going to  www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.